Selection of an internet content filtering solution using the analytic hierarchy process

This talk describes the selection of an Internet Content Filtering solution suitable for the specific requirements of the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec). Product data was collected from a variety of sources including: vendor product datasheets, industry benchmark tests, the experiences of other institutions and the academic literature. The available solutions were compared using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (Saaty 1980), a multicriteria decision support tool, using the above data and priority weightings determined for each criterion

Graduated embodiment for sophisticated agent evolution and optimization.

We summarize the results of a project to develop evolutionary computing methods for the design of behaviors of embodied agents in the form of autonomous vehicles. We conceived and implemented a strategy called graduated embodiment. This method allows high-level behavior algorithms to be developed using genetic programming methods in a low-fidelity, disembodied modeling environment for migration to high-fidelity, complex embodied applications. This project applies our methods to the problem domain of robot navigation using adaptive waypoints, which allow navigation behaviors to be ported among autonomous mobile robots with different degrees of embodiment, using incremental adaptation and staged optimization. Our approach to biomimetic behavior engineering is a hybrid of human design and artificial evolution, with the application of evolutionary computing in stages to preserve building blocks and limit search space. The methods and tools developed for this project are directly applicable to other agent-based modeling needs, including climate-related conflict analysis, multiplayer training methods, and market-based hypothesis evaluation

Roadblocks to low temperature district heating

Energy usage in buildings is coming increasingly under the spotlight as carbon policy focus shifts towards the utilization of thermal energy. In the UK, heating and hot water accounts for around 40% of energy consumption and 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. Heating is typically produced onsite, making widescale carbon or energetic improvements challenging. District heating networks (DHNs) can offer significant carbon reduction for many users but can only be implemented if the end user buildings have good thermal energy efficiency. This greatly limits the ability to implement advancing 4th and 5th generation DHNs, which are the most advanced systems available. We elucidate the current state of thermal efficiency in buildings in the UK and provide recommendations for necessary building requirements and modifications in order to accommodate 4th and 5th generation district heating. We conclude that key sectors must be addressed including creating a skilled workforce, producing relevant metrics and benchmarks, and providing financial support for early stage design exploration

Understanding coastal social values through citizen science: The example of Coastsnap in Western Australia

The coast is socially, economically, and environmentally vital to humanity, yet at risk due to population growth, development, and climate change. Coastal managers are required to make complex decisions regarding the trade-offs that may arise because of these threats, hence evidence-based policy is essential. Advances in biophysical data have improved understanding of coastal change, yet comparative social data is limited. Innovations are required to generate social values data that: (i) links with biophysical data; (ii) is consistent, representative, and long-term; and (iii) requires low resource investment. This paper reports on a pilot program that sought to address these needs by linking with an established citizen science program, CoastSnap, to collect information on community use and values in the Peron Naturaliste region, south-west Western Australia. The program successfully monitored community use and values uncovering the importance of nature-based activities and the mental/emotional health benefits of interacting with the coast. It highlights spatial differences in use and value that can support regional coastal planning. In the longer-term, the approach could enable decision-makers to monitor change in use and values resulting from, for example, infrastructure investments or physical coastal change. Limitations include little control over respondent sample and lack of knowledge regarding barriers to participation. Further research into the factors that motivate users and their preferences for interacting with the remote survey technologies, along with an expanded network of CoastSnap Social Survey sites, would facilitate regional, national, and global comparison of use and values. The approach provides a valuable addition to coastal managers’ data collection toolbox, generating social data that are temporal, integrates with biophysical data, and supports regional coastal planning, whilst increasing opportunities to interact with the public to enhance awareness, interest and support for coastal management

Anti-inflammatory activity and neutrophil reductions mediated by the JAK1/JAK3 inhibitor, CP-690,550, in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The Janus kinase (JAK) family of tyrosine kinases includes JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2, and is required for signaling through Type I and Type II cytokine receptors. CP-690,550 is a potent and selective JAK inhibitor currently in clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune disease indications. In RA trials, dose-dependent decreases in neutrophil counts (PBNC) were observed with CP-690,550 treatment. These studies were undertaken to better understand the relationship between JAK selectivity and PBNC decreases observed with CP-690,550 treatment.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Potency and selectivity of CP-690,550 for mouse, rat and human JAKs was evaluated in a panel of <it>in vitro </it>assays. The effect of CP-690,550 on granulopoiesis from progenitor cells was also assessed <it>in vitro </it>using colony forming assays. <it>In vivo </it>the potency of orally administered CP-690,550 on arthritis (paw edema), plasma cytokines, PBNC and bone marrow differentials were evaluated in the rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>CP-690,550 potently inhibited signaling through JAK1 and JAK3 with 5-100 fold selectivity over JAK2 in cellular assays, despite inhibiting all four JAK isoforms with nM potency in <it>in vitro </it>enzyme assays. Dose-dependent inhibition of paw edema was observed <it>in vivo </it>with CP-690,550 treatment. Plasma cytokines (IL-6 and IL-17), PBNC, and bone marrow myeloid progenitor cells were elevated in the context of AIA disease. At efficacious exposures, CP-690,550 returned all of these parameters to pre-disease levels. The plasma concentration of CP-690,550 at efficacious doses was above the <it>in vitro </it>whole blood IC50 of JAK1 and JAK3 inhibition, but not that of JAK2.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Results from this investigation suggest that CP-690,550 is a potent inhibitor of JAK1 and JAK3 with potentially reduced cellular potency for JAK2. In rat AIA, as in the case of human RA, PBNC were decreased at efficacious exposures of CP-690,550. Inflammatory end points were similarly reduced, as judged by attenuation of paw edema and cytokines IL-6 and IL-17. Plasma concentration at these exposures was consistent with inhibition of JAK1 and JAK3 but not JAK2. Decreases in PBNC following CP-690,550 treatment may thus be related to attenuation of inflammation and are likely not due to suppression of granulopoiesis through JAK2 inhibition.</p

Pdx1 Is Post-Translationally Modified In vivo and Serine 61 Is the Principal Site of Phosphorylation

Maintaining sufficient levels of Pdx1 activity is a prerequisite for proper regulation of blood glucose homeostasis and beta cell function. Mice that are haploinsufficient for Pdx1 display impaired glucose tolerance and lack the ability to increase beta cell mass in response to decreased insulin signaling. Several studies have shown that post-translational modifications are regulating Pdx1 activity through intracellular localization and binding to co-factors. Understanding the signaling cues converging on Pdx1 and modulating its activity is therefore an attractive approach in diabetes treatment. We employed a novel technique called Nanofluidic Proteomic Immunoassay to characterize the post-translational profile of Pdx1. Following isoelectric focusing in nano-capillaries, this technology relies on a pan specific antibody for detection and it therefore allows the relative abundance of differently charged protein species to be examined simultaneously. In all eukaryotic cells tested we find that the Pdx1 protein separates into four distinct peaks whereas Pdx1 protein from bacteria only produces one peak. Of the four peaks in eukaryotic cells we correlate one of them to a phosphorylation Using alanine scanning and mass spectrometry we map this phosphorylation to serine 61 in both Min6 cells and in exogenous Pdx1 over-expressed in HEK293 cells. A single phosphorylation is also present in cultured islets but it remains unaffected by changes in glucose levels. It is present during embryogenesis but is not required for pancreas development

Risk assessment of climate systems for national security.

Climate change, through drought, flooding, storms, heat waves, and melting Arctic ice, affects the production and flow of resource within and among geographical regions. The interactions among governments, populations, and sectors of the economy require integrated assessment based on risk, through uncertainty quantification (UQ). This project evaluated the capabilities with Sandia National Laboratories to perform such integrated analyses, as they relate to (inter)national security. The combining of the UQ results from climate models with hydrological and economic/infrastructure impact modeling appears to offer the best capability for national security risk assessments

Identification of key performance indicators and complimentary load profiles for 5th generation district energy networks

Mass adoption of renewable heating is essential for achieving Net Zero 2050 emission targets. Rapid decarbonisation of heating could be delivered by 5th generation district heating networks, which share heating and cooling and offer energy, cost and carbon savings. We present an assessment framework for determining the economic, operational, and carbon benefits of heat pump driven energy sharing networks for an urban centre. Our analysis of complementary heating and cooling loads enabled novel identification of the building types which are best suited to thermal energy sharing. An urban street was modelled using Integrated Energy System Virtual Environment software, which produced heating, cooling, and hot water loads. These were implemented into a linear programming cost and carbon optimisation problem, producing operating curves for a pool of de-localised heat pumps under either cost or emission minimalization scenarios. Results show that energy sharing networks may reduce the Levelised Cost of Energy by 69% and carbon emissions by 13% when compared to an electrified non-shared energy system. Based on these findings, a load matrix was constructed to identify which energy loads from different building types can be suitably used for energy sharing. Despite promising cost-savings results, we conclude that low temperature district heating networks have much greater financial benefit when utilising appropriately sized thermal storage and time of use tariffs, rather than energy sharing. However, carbon savings can be made over alternatives, such as natural gas boilers. For developers undertaking a heat network project, the primary goal should be clearly defined as either carbon saving or money-making objective, as these are difficult to achieve synergistically